Expanding Attention for Massive Engineering Feat

The expanded Panama Canal opened in 2016, welcoming larger cargo ships in a new, wider third lane that had been designed and under construction for about nine years.

Massive ships – about 50 yards wide and three football fields long – can now take the 50-mile shortcut through the Americas instead of steering 10,000 miles past the southern tip of Chile. Stantec asked Linhart PR to help promote its role as lead technical designer of the third set of locks at key milestones, including the grand opening.

Client

Services

Media Relations & Influencer Marketing

Presentation Coaching & Media Training

Crisis & Reputation Management

Industry

Energy & Utilities

Awards

PRSA/Colorado Gold Pick

Stantec makes the complicated engineering project relatable to the average person

CHallenge

The challenge: How do you bring one of the world’s largest transportation projects down to size and share the innovative design requirements of this engineering marvel? Stantec asked Linhart PR to expand attention for its important role in the Panama Canal's third set of locks project.

Solution

In advance of the Panama Canal’s grand opening, Linhart PR worked with engineers and experts to tell the technical design story, make the complicated project relatable to the average person via meaningful messages and to show the human side of this engineering feat. On-site tours, interviews and compelling visuals were offered to media.

Results

Local and national reporters shared the design challenges and Colorado-based people behind the project. Among the coverage highlights: USA Today (an expert offered perspectives on the expansion’s impact on global trade); Business Insider (an engineer addressed the size, scale and technical design “firsts” in this highly visual article); Denver Post (the CEO discussed the iconic project and the company’s role in designing a piece of history); and two Denver-based TV stations ran multiple on-location segments, including a 30-minute documentary timed with the grand opening.